False Shamrock, True Love : Winter's Hardy Houseplant

Houseplants can be fussy. In the winter months, my tropicals always seem to be yearning for a lower latitude. In this Northerly climate one requires a potted companion that is content with, nay, craves the cold. Fortunately I have found just that. Enter: Oxalis triangularis.

Known commonly as False or Purple Shamrock, this delicate delight is ever so content in my rather draughty apartment. I first came across the plant at a friend's home; it's dainty blossoms and heart shaped leaves - a most brilliant combination of purples - always catching my eye. My friend often remarked of how simply they are to care for, and one day brought me a small re-potted section of the plant I had admired so.

To this day that same pot of Oxalis triangularis is one of the only indoor plants I have that truly thrives, especially in the wintertime.